• Super Admin
• 06 Mar, 2026

Fresh political calculations have begun in Kano following moves by the Kano State House of Assembly to impeach Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, with several prominent figures already tipped as possible replacements if the process succeeds. Among those being mentioned in political circles are former deputy governorship candidate Murtala Sule Garo, former governorship candidate Salihu Sagir Takai and the Speaker of the House, Jibril Isma'il Falgore. The speculation followed the decision of the Kano State House of Assembly on Thursday to begin impeachment proceedings against Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office and breach of public trust. The impeachment notice was presented during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the move complied with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). According to him, the notice contains allegations linked to Gwarzo's tenure as Commissioner for Local Government between 2023 and 2024, as well as his current position as deputy governor. Dala alleged that while supervising the administration of the state's 44 local government councils, the deputy governor participated in the diversion of funds meant for council operations. Between June 2023 and January 2024, Abdussalam was accused of receiving a kickback of ₦1.5 million from each of the 44 local government areas monthly. The arrangement, according to the Majority Leader, amounted to ₦66 million every month for seven months, totalling ₦462 million. He further alleged that between February and July 2024, Abdussalam received additional payments from the councils under the guise of executing special assignments. These payments, he said, amounted to ₦3.255 million monthly from each local government, bringing the total to about ₦726 million over six months. "The alleged payments constituted another breach of public trust and violated the principles of transparency and accountability expected of a public officer," Dala told the Assembly. The impeachment notice also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office. Dala claimed Gwarzo used his position as commissioner to facilitate payments of ₦10 million each from the 44 local government councils to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited. The transaction, which allegedly amounted to ₦440 million, was said to have been carried out in contravention of the state's procurement and fiscal management laws. "The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and is contrary to the obligations of public office," Dala declared. He added that the allegations, taken together, amounted to gross misconduct within the meaning of Section 188(2) of the Constitution. Dala said the impeachment notice was endorsed by 38 lawmakers, satisfying the constitutional requirement to begin the process. "Based on the foregoing allegations, we hereby resolve that His Excellency, Aminu Abdussalam, the Deputy Governor of Kano State, be impeached and removed from office in accordance with the provisions of Section 188 of the Constitution," he said. Political observers, however, believe the unfolding drama may be tied to recent developments within the state's political landscape. Last month, Kano governor Abba Kabir Yusuf defected from the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Gwarzo chose to remain in the NNPP and has been seen attending party meetings alongside the party's national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Since the governor's defection, the two leaders have rarely appeared together at public functions. The development has fuelled speculation that the impeachment could open the door for a new deputy governor aligned with the governor's current political camp. Some political watchers also believe Gwarzo could emerge as a rival to the governor in the 2027 election if the impeachment goes through. Legal practitioner Audu Bulama explained that six stages must be completed before a governor or deputy governor can be removed from office. According to him, "First, at least one-third of the members of the Assembly must sign a written notice outlining the allegations. The Speaker then serves the notice to the governor or deputy within seven days. "Second, two-thirds of the Assembly must vote in support of investigating the allegations. "Third, the Speaker writes to the Chief Judge of the state, requesting the constitution of a seven-member investigative panel. The panel must consist of people of proven integrity who are not politicians or public servants. "Fourth, the panel has three months to conduct its investigation, during which the accused must be given a full opportunity to defend himself. "Fifth, the panel submits its report to the Assembly, stating whether the allegations were proven." He added that if the panel finds the accused guilty, two-thirds of the Assembly must vote in favour of impeachment for removal to take place. He added, "If the panel clears the accused, the Assembly cannot proceed further." Source: https://www.naijanews.com/2026/03/06/kano-deputy-governor-impeachment-aminu-gwarzos-possible-replacement-revealed/